Iwao F, Sato-Matsumura KC, Sawamura D, Shimizu H, et al.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et a.... Date of publication 2004 Jun 1;volume 30(6):939-41.
1. Dermatol Surg. 2004 Jun;30(6):939-41.
Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa successfully treated by surgical debridement.
Iwao F(1), Sato-Matsumura KC, Sawamura D, Shimizu H.
Author information:
(1)Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine,
Sapporo, Japan.
Comment in
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jun;31(6):731.
BACKGROUND: Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa represents a rare group of cutaneous
changes comprising dermal fibrosis, hyperkeratotic, verrucous, and papillomatous
lesions after chronic secondary, nonfilarial lymphedema. There is no standard
treatment for this rare cutaneous manifestation.
OBJECTIVE: This article describes debridement that is helpful when performed in
addition to physiotherapy.
METHODS: We present a patient who was treated by shaving the verrucous area with
a blade of a freehand knife and by subsequent abrading of the mossy area using a
motor-powered grinder.
RESULTS: Reepithelization was completed in 2 weeks. A compression stocking was
used to treat the lymphedema. Ten months after the operation, we saw no signs of
disease recurrence. The result was also aesthetically satisfactory.
CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in such case may not always be the best treatment because it
does not treat the cause of disease but only treats the cutaneous symptoms.
Nevertheless, debridement is a rapid and an aesthetically acceptable form of
treatment.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30267.x
PMID: 15171776 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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